Scraper for cleaning drum surface of compactor

ABSTRACT

A scraper coupled to a drum surface of a compactor is provided. The scraper includes an inlet port. The scraper includes a first channel fluidly coupled to the inlet port. The first channel extends across the scraper in a first direction. The scraper includes at least one second channel fluidly coupled to the first channel. The second channel extends across the scraper in a second direction. The scraper further includes at least one outlet port fluidly coupled to the second channel.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to compactor machines. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to a scraper for cleaning a drum surface of compactor machines.

BACKGROUND

A wide variety of machines for paving and compacting asphalt have been used for decades. A conventional approach for paving a surface such as a road or parking lot is to distribute hot paving material onto a prepared bed with a paving machine, then follow the paving machine with one or more compactor machines to compact the material to a desired density and obtain an acceptable surface finish. Most commonly, the compacting process is performed with double drum compactors and pneumatic tire compactors. Double drum compactors, having a front drum and a back drum, which serve to propel the machine and compact the asphalt to a suitable state via the weight of the compactor and in some instances a vibratory eccentric weight within the drum. Pneumatic tire compactors, having a front set of tires and a rear set of tires, which serve to propel machine and compact the asphalt to a suitable state via the weight of the compactor. Completing compaction can often require multiple passes across the asphalt mat with a compactor machine.

Sticky, viscous properties of hot asphalt can cause it to adhere to paving and compacting equipment where relatively cool machine components come into contact with the asphalt. This tendency for hot asphalt to stick to machine surfaces is generally a function of the heat transfer out of the asphalt. The asphalt congeals and increases in viscosity where it is cooled by contact with machine surfaces. The greater a difference in temperature between the asphalt and machine surfaces, the greater the tendency for asphalt to stick. Recognizing this phenomenon, engineers have developed several ways to address asphalt sticking problems over the years.

As asphalt is laid down by a paver, a component of the paver known as a screed is typically used to prepare the asphalt for compacting. After deposition and working by the paver, the asphalt cools somewhat prior to being compacted. However, the asphalt is still typically hot enough to have sticking problems with components of compactor machines following the paver. Certain compactor designs utilize heaters to heat the drums/tires to inhibit adhering of asphalt. The most prevalent known strategy by far, however, is to spray water, detergent or even fuel onto a compacting unit's surface to prevent asphalt from sticking. Such machines also use a scraper to remove any asphalt that does happen to stick to the drum. While such approaches have a long history of success, there are a number of parts and subsystems to manage which are performing different functions. As a result, the paving operation becomes increasingly complex in terms of operation and maintenance.

Thus, an improved solution is required to integrate the water spraying and scraping functions into a single component.

SUMMARY

In an aspect of the present disclosure, a scraper coupled to a drum surface of a compactor is provided. The scraper includes an inlet port. The scraper includes a first channel fluidly coupled to the inlet port. The first channel extends across the scraper in a first direction. The scraper includes at least one second channel fluidly coupled to the first channel. The second channel extends across the scraper in a second direction. The scraper further includes at least one outlet port fluidly coupled to the second channel.

In another aspect of the present disclosure, a water distribution mat for a drum surface of a compactor is provided. The water distribution mat includes a first surface having at least one inlet port. The water distribution mat further includes a water absorbing material attached to the first surface, and abutting the drum surface. The water absorbing material receives water from the at least one inlet port and distributes the water along the drum surface.

In yet another aspect of the present disclosure, a compactor is provided. The compactor includes a power source and a frame. The compactor includes a scraper coupled to the frame. The scraper includes an inlet port. The scraper includes a first channel fluidly coupled to the inlet port. The first channel extends across the scraper in a first direction. The scraper includes at least one second channel fluidly coupled to the first channel. The second channel extends across the scraper in a second direction. The scraper further includes at least one outlet port fluidly coupled to the second channel.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a front perspective view of a compactor machine, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of a scraper for the compactor machine of FIG. 1, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3 is a sectional view of the scraper of FIG. 2, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 4 shows a water distribution mat for the compactor machine of FIG. 1, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; and

FIG. 5 shows a front perspective view of a compactor machine, in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to same or like parts. Referring to FIG. 1, there is shown a compactor machine 100 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. The compactor machine 100 is illustrated as a self-propelled double drum compactor having a front drum 102 and a back drum 104. The compactor machine 100 includes an operator station 106 which may be equipped with various mechanisms for controlling and operating the compactor machine 100, including a gear shift lever 108, a steering wheel 110, and implement system controls (not shown) etc. An engine 112 and a generator 114 coupled with the engine 112 are attached to a frame 115 of the compactor machine 100. The generator 114 may serve as an electrical power source for various onboard systems and components, as further discussed herein. The engine 112 may comprise an internal combustion engine such as a diesel engine, configured to drive the generator 114. In one embodiment, the compactor machine 100 may comprise an electric drive machine having electric motor(s) configured to power one or both of the front drum 102 and the back drum 104 and electrically powered steering actuator(s), all powered via the generator 114.

It should be appreciated, however, that the compactor machine 100 is illustrative only as depicted in FIG. 1 and a wide variety of the compactor machines 100 might be designed and/or controlled in accordance with the present disclosure. For example, rather than a double drum compactor machine, the compactor machine 100 might include only a single drum and some other type of compacting element. For instance, the front “compacting element” might be a drum, and the back compacting element could be a pneumatic compacting element. Moreover, the compactor machine 100 might comprise a tow-behind or pushed compacting apparatus. The operator station 106 might also be dispensed with in versions where the compactor machine 100 is operated in an autonomous fashion and a remote control or self-guidance system is used. In any of the various contemplated embodiments, a heating system (not shown) will be included which is configured to heat at least one of the front drum 102 or the back drum 104 of the compactor machine 100. The heating system may include a control device configured to control the heating system to inhibit asphalt sticking to the front drum 102 and the back drum 104.

Each of the front drum 102 and the back drum 104 includes a drum surface 116 for compacting asphalt. The drum surface 116 may consist of a cylindrical, smooth metallic surface comprising the exterior of a shell of the front and back drums 102 and 104. As the compactor machine 100 is passed across an asphalt mat to compact it, the drum surface 116 will roll against an asphalt mat laid by a paver (not shown). As a result, the asphalt of the mat will increase in density and develop a relatively smooth surface finish. As mentioned above, the heating system may be used to heat the front and back drums 102 and 104, in particular the drum surface 116, prior to and/or during the compacting process.

As the asphalt mat comes in contact with the heated drum surface 116, some part of the asphalt mat may stick to the drum surface 116. The compactor machine 100 includes a scraper 118 for cleaning the drum surface 116. The scraper 118 may be coupled to the frame 115 via any type of a mechanical connection means (not shown) suitable to the need of the present disclosure. The scraper 118 may also be coupled to the drum surface 116. In an exemplary embodiment, the compactor machine 100 includes multiple wheels instead of the front drum 102 and the back drum 104. The scraper 118 would be coupled to the wheels in such an embodiment.

The scraper 118 extends from a first end 120 of the drum surface 116 to a second end 122 of the drum surface 116. In an embodiment, length of the scraper 118 may vary as per the need of the present disclosure. The compactor machine 100 further includes a fluid supply 124. The fluid supply 124 is adapted to supply fluid through a nozzle (not shown) or any other type of arrangement to the drum surface 116 through the scraper 118. The fluid supply 124 may have multiple components (not shown) such as a fluid tank, supply lines to and from the fluid tank, nozzles etc. The fluid tank may store any fluid suitable to the need of the present disclosure such as, but not limited to, water, detergent, a mixture of water and detergent etc. Further structural details of the scraper 118 are illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3.

FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of the scraper 118. The scraper 118 is illustrated as having a generally rectangular shape. However, it should be contemplated that the scraper 118 may have any shape which may be suitable for the current application. The scraper 118 includes an inlet port 200 coupled to the fluid supply 124. The inlet port 200 receives fluid from the fluid supply 124 and further supplies the fluid inside the scraper 118. A sectional plane A-A′ passes through the scraper 118. The plane A-A′ is parallel to a surface 202 of the scraper 118 and passes through the scraper 118. A sectional view of the scraper 118 along the plane A-A′ is shown in FIG. 3.

The scraper 118 includes a first channel 300 fluidly coupled to the inlet port 200. The first channel 300 extends from the inlet port 200 across the scraper 118 in a first direction 302. The first direction 302 may be parallel to a side of the rectangular scraper 118. The first channel 300 may be of any cross sectional shape such as, but not limited to, a circular cross-section, a square cross-section etc. The first channel 300 may be of any other cross-sectional shape as well to suit the need of the present disclosure. The first channel 300 receives fluid from the inlet port 200 and supplies the fluid to multiple second channels 304 coupled to the first channel 300.

Number of the second channels 304 may vary as per size and dimensions of the scraper 118 as well as configuration and make of the compactor machine 100. The second channels 304 extend across the scraper 118 in a second direction 306. Although, the second direction 306 is illustrated as perpendicular to the first direction 302, it should be contemplated that the second direction 306 may as well be at an angle α other than 90 degrees to the first direction 302. In an embodiment, the second direction 306 makes an angle α in a range of 0 degrees to 90 degrees with the first direction 302. Various embodiments of the scraper 118 may be possible through different combinations of the first direction 302, the second direction 306 and the angle α included between the first direction 302 and the second direction 306. The scraper 118 further includes outlet ports 308 coupled to the second channels 304. Each of the second channels 304 is fluidly coupled to a corresponding outlet port 308. The outlet ports 308 receive fluid from the second channels 304 and supply fluid to the drum surface 116 of the compactor machine 100.

In one embodiment, the compactor machine 100 includes a water distribution mat 400 instead of the scraper 118. The water distribution mat 400 is attached to the drum surface 116 of the compactor machine 100 in a similar manner as the scraper 118. FIG. 4 shows structural details of the water distribution mat 400. The water distribution mat 400 has a first surface 402 having multiple inlet ports 404. Number of the inlet ports 404 may vary as per the size of the water distribution mat 400, configuration of the compactor machine 100 etc. The inlet ports 404 are fluidly coupled to the fluid supply 124. The inlet ports 404 receive fluid from the fluid supply 124. In an embodiment, the fluid is water. A water absorbing material 406 is attached to the first surface 402 of the water distribution mat 400.

The water absorbing material 406 abuts the drum surface 116 of the compactor machine 100. The water absorbing material 406 may be attached to the first surface 402 of the water distribution mat 400 by any suitable mechanism such as mechanical fasteners, adhesive etc. The water absorbing material 406 receives water from the inlet ports 404. The water absorbing material 406 soaks up the water supplied from the inlet ports 404 and supplies the water to the drum surface 116. The water absorbing material 406 may be any type of a water absorbing material. The present disclosure is not limited to any particular type of the water absorbing material 406 in any manner. Further, unlike the scraper 118, multiple water absorbing mats 400 may be provided on the compactor machine 100.

FIG. 5 shows another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. The compactor machine 100 is shown with multiple pneumatically inflated tires 500 as compacting element. For illustrative purposes, the compactor machine 100 includes three tires 500. It should be contemplated that the number of tires 500 may vary as per the application area as well as the make and model of the compactor machine 100. The scraper 118 is coupled to the tires 500 of the compactor machine 100 in a similar manner as the scraper 118 is coupled to the drum surface 116 in the double drum compactor machine 100 shown in FIG. 1. The scraper 118 extends across the tires 500 and remains in contact with the tires 500. The scraper 118 supplies fluid (for e.g. water) through the fluid supply 124 as well as removes any debris etc. from the tires 500. It should be contemplated that the compactor machine 100 with the tires may also be provided with the water absorbing mat 400.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

The present disclosure provides an improved arrangement for cleaning of the drum surface 116 of the compactor machine 100 by integrating functions of water distribution over the drum surface 116 and cleaning the drum surface 116 of any debris or asphalt which may stick to the drum surface 116 in a single component. The present disclosure provides two such arrangements, any of which may be provided with the compactor machine 100 to perform both the above mentioned functions. The first arrangement is provided as the scraper 118.

The scraper 118 is coupled to the frame 115 and extends from the first end 120 of the drum surface 116 to the second end 122 of the drum surface 116. The scraper 118 includes the inlet port 200 coupled with the fluid supply 124. The inlet port 200 is fluidly coupled to the first channel 300. The first channel 300 extends from the inlet port 200 across the scraper 118 in the first direction 302. The second channels 304, extending across the scraper 118 in the second direction 306, are fluidly coupled to the first channel 300. Further, the outlet ports 308 are coupled to the second channel 304. The scraper 118 supplies the fluid to the drum surface 116 through the outlet port 308.

The second arrangement is provided as the water distribution mat 400 which has the first surface 402 having the inlet ports 404. The water absorbing material 406 is attached to the first surface 402 and also abuts the drum surface 116. The inlet ports 404 receive water from the fluid supply 124 and supply the water to the drum surface 116 through the water absorbing material 406. The scraper 118 and the water distribution mat 400 both provide dual functions of cleaning the drum surface 116 and supplying water to the drum surface 116 due to the improved designs.

As any one of the scraper 118 and the water distribution mat 400 may be provided with the compactor machine 100, number of components which have to be provided on the compactor machine 100 is reduced. Complex water supplying arrangement systems are replaced with simple and easy to use designs of the scraper 118 and the water distribution mat 400. This provides for ease of maintenance and service procedures. All the components of the scraper 118 and the water distribution mat 400 as well as the associated and adjoining components of the compactor machine 100 may be accessed easily.

Further, as only one of the scraper 118 and the water distribution mat 400 is to be provided on the compactor machine 100, cost of additional components is saved. An option may also be provided for a customer to pick one of the two solutions which may be more suitable as per the need of the intended application. Overall, the present disclosure provides ease of operation as well as maintenance procedures, in addition to saving cost of the additional components which may have to be used otherwise.

While aspects of the present disclosure have been particularly shown and described with reference to the embodiments above, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various additional embodiments may be contemplated by the modification of the disclosed machines, systems and methods without departing from the spirit and scope of what is disclosed. Such embodiments should be understood to fall within the scope of the present disclosure as determined based upon the claims and any equivalents thereof. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A scraper coupled to a drum surface of a compactor, the scraper comprising: an inlet port; a first channel fluidly coupled to the inlet port, the first channel extending across the scraper in a first direction; at least one second channel fluidly coupled to the first channel, the second channel extending across the scraper in a second direction; and at least one outlet port fluidly coupled to the second channel.
 2. The scraper of claim 1, wherein the second direction is perpendicular to the first direction.
 3. The scraper of claim 1, wherein an angle formed between the first direction and the second direction lies between 0 degrees and 90 degrees.
 4. The scraper of claim 1, wherein the inlet port is fluidly coupled to a fluid supply.
 5. The scraper of claim 1, wherein the scraper extends from a first end of the drum surface to a second end of the drum surface.
 6. The scraper of claim 1, wherein the scraper is made of a fluid absorbing material.
 7. The scraper of claim 1, wherein the scraper is adapted to remove any debris from the drum surface.
 8. A water distribution mat for a drum surface of a compactor, the water distribution mat comprising: a first surface having at least one inlet port; a water absorbing material attached to the first surface and abutting the drum surface, the water absorbing material adapted to receive water from the at least one inlet port and distribute the water along the drum surface.
 9. The water distribution mat of claim 8, wherein the inlet port is fluidly coupled to a water supply.
 10. The water distribution mat of claim 8, wherein the water distribution mat is further adapted to remove any debris from the drum surface.
 11. A compactor including: a power source; a frame; a scraper coupled to the frame, the scraper comprising: an inlet port; a first channel fluidly coupled to the inlet port, the first channel extending across the scraper in a first direction; at least one second channel fluidly coupled to the first channel, the second channel extending across the scraper in a second direction; and at least one outlet port fluidly coupled to the second channel.
 12. The compactor of claim 11, wherein the compactor further includes a drum having a drum surface coupled to the frame, and the scraper is coupled to the drum surface.
 13. The compactor of claim 12, wherein the scraper extends from a first end of the drum surface to a second end of the drum surface.
 14. The compactor of claim 12, wherein the scraper is adapted to remove any debris from the drum surface.
 15. The compactor of claim 11, wherein the compactor further includes a plurality of wheels coupled to the frame, and the scraper is coupled to the plurality of wheels.
 16. The compactor of claim 15, wherein the scraper is adapted to remove any debris from the wheels.
 17. The compactor of claim 11, wherein the second direction is perpendicular to the first direction.
 18. The compactor of claim 11, wherein an angle formed between the first direction and the second direction lies between 0 degrees and 90 degrees.
 19. The compactor of claim 11, wherein the inlet port is fluidly coupled to a fluid supply.
 20. The compactor of claim 11, wherein the scraper is made of a water absorbing material. 